Day 45 Valentine's Day

 

2/14/2026

 "Dear friends, let us love one another,

for love comes from God. Everyone who loves

has been born of God and knows God."

1 John 4:7

 

Today many are celebrating Valentine's Day with their special someone, a day widely celebrated all over the world. It is one of Hallmark's best sales days, as I warmly remember when we owned our shop in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Children still enjoy giving out valentines to others, and stores are full of the favorite cartoon characters they enjoy. I remember those days in elementary school when we swapped valentine cards. We may even have shared candy, although I can't remember if we did or not. I used to buy myself candy on these special days, so I'd be certain that I got the kind I liked. This year the day kind of slipped up on me, but I'll catch up one day once I get out and about again. 

My memories are selective, but I am always amazed at how much I do remember about school days. I can actually "see" scenes in my mind, but that is not always a good thing! I am grateful for my sharp memory, as so many people think once we reach a certain age that the mind begins to go. Thankfully, in spite of receiving several blows to my head over the years, I can still think and reason. How great is my God!!

I was so caught up in my concerns I was dealing with that I forgot to buy cards for my family. Not everyone has a cell phone, so I cannot send "gifs" in place of cards. I have one friend who faithfully sends me a card each year. I really need to do better. I always think of my daughter, but not even she got a card from me. I hope I can make up for these errors. Love covers a multitude of sins, I understand. Everyone likes to be remembered, but it doesn't require a certain holiday to send a card or do something special for someone. I remember a time when my children were young that I made a cake as a Happy Un-birthday celebration. I don't know if anyone has ever done that before me, but it sure was fun, and the kids did not expect it. Spontaneity can be a good thing. I always loved surprises, especially when I was dating. I don't believe I ever received many flowers, except for dances or special occasions, but I used to treat myself to wild flowers, particularly sunflowers, when I shopped in Santa Fe when I was working. Trader Joe's still carries lots of fresh flowers all year around, so I enjoy picking up some even now as an older person. 

There are so many people who have lost their spouses, and these days are particularly hard for them. I wasn't able to visit this year, as I still don't have a car, but I hope to be able to visit folks and bring some joy into their lives. While I've been stranded at home these two months I've thought a lot about what I'd like to do with my spare time. Not that I have a lot of it, but there are 24 hours in a day, and I need to use mine more intentionally. Perhaps that is what I am supposed to learn. Have I been selfish with my time? I sincerely hope not, as I never want to miss special opportunities, divine appointments. Maybe God was trying to show me what He wanted me to be doing. Not that what I do is not good, but perhaps it's time to step back. Time will tell.

It's now the close of the day, so I think I'll treat myself with a movie. Perhaps one of my favorite ones from the past? I wish I could share the time with my daughter. We used to watch movies together often, but since we live further away from each other, now we choose one, then watch them alone, yet together, in our special way. It's not perfect, but at least it's something. Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers! Remember to share the love!